For years, many boutique hosts and property owners have relied almost entirely on Airbnb. The platform opened doors for independent stays, gave small brands visibility, and brought the first wave of guests. But times have changed. Algorithms have shifted, policies have hardened, and hosts often feel trapped rather than empowered.
This is the story of how we nearly lost everything when we depended on a single platform — and how launching Rukiye Zara gave us the independence and sustainable growth we were searching for. If you’re a host, especially one investing lakhs into your property, this story may help you reimagine your own hospitality journey.
The Struggle: Selling Rooms for Just ₹1,600–₹1,700
There was a time when we sold our rooms for as little as ₹1,600–₹1,700 per night. It felt wrong. Not only were we undervaluing our property, but we were also draining our energy, creativity, and motivation. Upgrades stopped. Passion faded. Hospitality became a burden instead of a joy. Do check the stays we offer – the rooms/themes, decor – it wasn’t worth it.
When you are forced to drop your rates just to appear in search results, the very foundation of your brand begins to crumble. And yet, this is the reality for many boutique hosts who rely solely on Airbnb or other major platforms to fill their calendars.
The Turning Point: Launching Rukiye Zara
Everything changed when we launched Rukiye Zara. For the first time, we felt in control of our bookings and our brand. Instead of chasing algorithms, we focused on delivering authentic guest experiences. Instead of slashing prices, we invested in design, service, and quality.
The result? Steady bookings, repeat guests, and a sense of freedom from the limitations of a single platform. We no longer had to fear sudden changes in policies or reviews being misused as weapons. Our property was finally seen for what it truly is: a boutique stay designed with care.
Airbnb’s Shift: From Homes to Hotels
If you want to see what’s happening, try this quick test:
- Open Airbnb in incognito mode.
- Search for “Gurgaon” with any upcoming dates.
What do you see? Rows upon rows of hotels. Where are the unique homes? The boutique stays? The one-of-a-kind properties that once made Airbnb special? The platform that once celebrated independent hosts now prioritizes hotel inventory and big operators. This shift has left smaller hosts struggling to be seen. The price chart is highest for cheap stays under 1500/-
The Challenges Hosts Face Today
From our experience and conversations with fellow hosts, the pain points are consistent:
- Unfair reviews: Guests sometimes misuse the review system as a threat.
- Zero meaningful support: When problems arise, hosts feel abandoned.
- Algorithm dependency: Visibility drops without warning, forcing hosts to slash prices.
- Loss of identity: Boutique stays are buried under standardized hotel listings.
When your entire business depends on a single platform, you’re at the mercy of its rules — no matter how unfair they may be.
Building Independence: Why Hosts Must Diversify
For hosts with just one or two listings, Airbnb may still feel manageable. But if you’re investing lakhs into building and maintaining a property, you cannot afford to depend on one platform. True sustainability comes from diversification:
- Building your own brand identity
- Owning guest relationships directly
- Creating multiple booking channels (including OTAs, direct booking engines, and partnerships)
- Investing in guest experience rather than price wars
Hospitality is not just about filling nights — it’s about creating long-term value. And that can only happen when you step outside the cave of dependency.
Our Philosophy at Rukiye Zara
At Rukiye Zara, we believe boutique hospitality deserves better. Our goal is to help independent hosts and property owners thrive without being crushed by unfair systems. By focusing on sustainable pricing, authentic experiences, and diversified booking strategies, we’ve built a model that works — not just for us, but for every host who dreams bigger.
We’re proof that boutique stays can be profitable, meaningful, and resilient — as long as they are not tied down to one platform’s policies.
The Future of Boutique Hospitality
The future belongs to hosts who think beyond a single platform. Guests are actively seeking unique stays, personalized service, and authentic stories. By building your own brand and presence, you not only attract these guests but also create loyalty that no algorithm can take away.
Airbnb gave us a start – with minimal investment exploring hospitality industry — and we’re grateful for it 🙏. But the future of hospitality requires independence, creativity, and courage to grow outside the shadows of giants.
Final Thoughts: Step Outside the Cave
If you’re a boutique host in Gurgaon (or anywhere in India) struggling with low rates, unfair reviews, or inconsistent bookings, know this: there’s a whole world outside the cave.
Take control of your property, invest in your guest experience, and explore beyond a single platform. Sustainable success in hospitality begins with independence.
If our vision aligns, let’s connect. Together, we can shape a future where boutique stays are celebrated, valued, and thriving 🚀.
Click here and begin your journey to list with us!
